Liaquat Hussain, 24, developed a passion for martial arts in the eighth grade and has come a long way since, training in kung fu and kickboxing twice a day for the last eight years. This month, the Parachinar-native won two gold medals in Kung Fu Toai, an Iranian martial art that combines kung fu and yoga, after which he was offered a chance to participate in an international competition in Peshawar.

Out of his five local fights and his first international one, Mr Hussain has won them all. Dawn caught up with Liaquat in Islamabad and talked to him about Kung Fu Toai.

Q: What sets Kung Fu Toai apart from other contact sports?

A: Kung Fu Toai has the same dynamic wavelike movements and techniques, combinations and reactions and requires agility just as other contact sports. However, there are some rules. The fighter can throw punches to the face and chest and land low, middle and high kicks. However he cannot hit the insides of the legs, such as the groin, for safety reasons.

Q: How was the experience at your first international competition and how did you beat your opponent?

A: It was surprising as much as it was a good learning experience. It was surprising because I was not aware that a fighter can hit punches the way my Afghan opponent did. The style and the technique were new to me. Nobody ever taught me that, and besides my strength is kickboxing. But I have been thinking about his style of Kung Fu Toai and I reflected on my weaknesses and where I stand. Nonetheless, the competition was tough. My opponent’s high kicks were dangerous. But I hit back as hard. I had floored him once in the first round and then twice again in the second round. We fought all three rounds and I won on technical grounds, scoring more points than the Afghan fighter. I believe that this international competition has paved the way for more international exposure.

Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A: I am aggressive and I like attacking. Sometimes I like to tire my opponent, like the late boxer Mohammad Ali. However, coming from Parachinar where there are absolutely no facilities for athletes presents its own several challenges. There is a private club in my home town where an instructor teaches Kung Fu Toai. But I have worked extremely hard to get to where I am today on my own. The sport, like other games, needs patronage. I have dreams of becoming one of the best fighters and will push to make my dream come true. I believe that if there is some patronage from the state, I can make this country proud.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2018